Texas Mayor Resigns After Calling Residents Lazy

Colorado City Texas mayor resigns after calling residents “lazy” among other things. On Tuesday, Mayor Tim Boyd posted a stunningly insensitive message on Facebook telling residents that the local government and utility companies do not owe them anything. “I'm sick and tired of people looking for a damn handout,” the now-former mayor said.  

RELATED: Texas Power Problems Persist As Deep Freeze Continues

No Responsibility To Help Out 

Boyd’s message, which he posted last Tuesday via his Facebook account, addresses concerns aired by Colorado City citizens already suffering from power outages amid very cold weather. 

When residents asked on the community Facebook group if Colorado City planned to open warming shelters, Boyd gave this disturbing reply. The local government had no responsibility to help out its citizens, and only the strong would survive. He also emphasized that utility companies and the local government do not bear the responsibility of supporting people in times like the present. 

As expected, groups condemned the Mayor for his insensitive remarks while a large portion of Texas suffered from the freezing cold without electricity or running water. Angry citizens called out the apparent insensitivity towards children, the elderly, and the sick, who cannot fend for themselves despite what Boyd said. Reportedly, the mayor’s wife got fired from her job while he himself received nasty messages and threats. 

Boyd’s Full Message

The full verbatim text is as follows: “Let me hurt some feelings while I have a minute. No one owes you or your family anything; nor is it the local government's responsibility to support you during trying times like this! Sink or swim, it’s your choice! The City and County, along with power providers or any other service owe you NOTHING! I’m sick and tired of people looking for a damn handout!

If you don’t have electricity you step up and come up with a game plan to keep your family warm and safe. If you have no water you deal without and think outside of the box to survive and supply water to your family. If you were sitting at home in the cold because you have no power and are sitting there waiting for someone to come rescue you because your laziness is a direct result of your raising! Only the strong will survive and the weak will perish.” 

“Folks, God Has given us the tools to support ourselves in times like this. This is sadly a product of a socialist government where they feed people to believe that the FEW will work and others will become dependent on handouts. Am I sorry that you have been dealing without electricity and water; yes! But I’ll be d—ed if I’m going to provide for anyone that is capable of doing it themselves! We have lost sight of those in need and those that take advantage of the system and meshed them into one group!! Bottom line: Quit crying and looking for a handout! Get off your a– and take care of your own family! Bottom line – DON’T BE A PART OF A PROBLEM, BE A PART OF THE SOLUTION!”

Texas Mayor Resigns

Late Tuesday afternoon, Boyd came out with a second post, claiming the first one was taken out of context. In addition, he profusely apologized for the wording, mentioning that he should have kept the matter to himself instead of posting. However, he reiterated that he is not taking back or denying anything he said in his previous post. He rued the fact his wife became a victim of harassment because of his original post. Additionally, his wife was laid off from her job due to the same reason. 

Boyd also informed everyone that he already resigned as mayor of Colorado City. He declined to submit his name for consideration in the next mayoral elections. Also, he clarified that he posted those words as an of people looking for a damn handout! If you don't h

Texas in Trouble

While Boyd professed that he already quit his post, there are no official reports yet. A quick check of the official website for Colorado City still lists him as Mayor. No other announcements or news reports about Colorado City’s change in leadership are available. 

Since Sunday, Texas found itself engulfed in a severe winter storm. As of Thursday, at least 17 people died and 3-4 million homes remain without electricity. The sub-zero temperatures knocked out many power generation plants and led to many residents without electricity and heat. The National Weather Service issued a warning that pipes are in danger of freezing or bursting due to extreme cold beginning Thursday night.

Watch the News West 9 feature reporting that Colorado City, Texas Mayor Tim Boyd is under fire for his Facebook comments:

Do you agree that Tim Boyd's posts are unnecessarily insensitive given the plight of many Texans today? Do you think that Boyd should face further sanction even as he already resigned? Let us know what you think about the Colorado City ex-mayor and his statements on dealing with the crisis.